Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe – Easy and Delicious

If you’re wondering what to do with your leftover turkey and stuffing, look no further! Leftover turkey stuffing balls are the perfect solution to transform your holiday leftovers into a tasty new dish. These bite-sized balls combine the savory goodness of turkey, the hearty texture of stuffing, and the creaminess of mashed potatoes. A holiday feast in a fun, bite-sized form! Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your leftovers or just craving something comforting, these turkey stuffing balls are sure to satisfy.

This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you have leftover turkey. The combination of flavors makes these stuffing balls a versatile treat—you can make them ahead of time or enjoy them immediately. They are great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. Let’s dive into how to make these flavorful leftover turkey stuffing balls.

Why Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls?

Leftover turkey stuffing balls are not only delicious, but they also help minimize food waste by utilizing ingredients you already have. Rather than reheating leftover turkey and stuffing separately, combining them into these fun, crispy balls is a creative way to give your leftovers a second life. These balls are easy to make and customizable, and the crispy exterior and tender interior make them irresistible.

The beauty of these stuffing balls lies in their versatility. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, add a variety of ingredients to suit your preferences, or even make a healthier version by baking instead of frying them.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to make these delectable leftover turkey stuffing balls:

• Leftover Turkey: Shredded or chopped, turkey gives these stuffing balls their base and provides a great source of lean protein.
• Stuffing: Use your leftover stuffing from Thanksgiving, or make your own if you’re craving more flavor.
• Mashed Potatoes: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together for a soft and fluffy texture.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: These help create a crispy exterior and keep the stuffing balls from falling apart.
• Gravy: A flavorful addition that gives these balls extra moisture and depth. You can use leftover gravy or make a fresh batch.
• Butter or Olive Oil: For frying the stuffing balls to a golden, crispy perfection.
• Seasoning: Simple seasonings such as black pepper, salt, and herbs like sage and thyme complement the stuffing and turkey perfectly.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

1. Prepare the Leftovers
   Begin by shredding your leftover turkey into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures it blends well with the stuffing and mashed potatoes. If your stuffing or mashed potatoes are cold, heat them up just slightly so they are easier to handle.
2. Combine Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Add salt and pepper to taste. The mashed potatoes act as a binder, helping the mixture come together.
3. Add the Binding Agent
   Crack an egg into the mixture and beat it lightly before adding it to the bowl. The egg will help hold everything together, ensuring the stuffing balls maintain their shape during cooking.
4. Form the Balls
   Using your hands or a spoon, scoop the mixture and roll it into balls about the size of a golf ball. You can make them smaller if you prefer bite-sized portions, but ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
5. Coat with Panko (Optional)
   If you prefer a crispy outer layer, roll each turkey stuffing ball in seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick to the surface of each ball.
6. Cook the Stuffing Balls
   You have two options for cooking your turkey stuffing balls: Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Frying: Heat butter or olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the turkey stuffing balls to the pan, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
7. Rest and Serve
   Once cooked, remove the turkey stuffing balls from the oven or frying pan. Let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to set and ensures they stay intact when you serve them.
8. Serve with Gravy or Cranberry Sauce
   For added flavor, drizzle your turkey stuffing balls with homemade gravy or serve them with cranberry sauce. They pair wonderfully with these condiments, adding both savory and sweet notes to the dish.
9. Enjoy
   Once everything is plated, dive in and enjoy these festive, flavorful turkey stuffing balls as a holiday side dish, appetizer, or a comforting main course.

Tips for Perfect Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Room temperature ingredients: Allow your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey to come to room temperature before mixing. This makes them easier to handle and helps the balls hold together better.
• Customize the stuffing: Feel free to mix in extra ingredients like sautéed onions, celery, or even some grated cheese for extra flavor.
• Crispiness: For an extra crispy exterior, you can roll the balls in seasoned breadcrumbs and fry them in butter or oil. The crispy outside paired with the soft interior is simply irresistible.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing balls in advance. Just store them in the fridge or freeze them and bake or fry them when ready to serve.
• Gravy: If you’re short on gravy, you can easily make a quick version by thickening some turkey stock with flour and seasoning.

Variations of the Recipe

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with mashed chickpeas or lentils. You can also use a plant-based stuffing mix and skip the gravy for a completely meatless dish.
• Stuffing Add-ins: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some extra crunch. You can also incorporate dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

• Refrigeration: Store leftover turkey stuffing balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover turkey stuffing balls for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs On Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

What to do with leftover stuffing balls?

Leftover stuffing balls can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future use. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or added to a salad for an extra touch of flavor. You can also incorporate them into soups or casseroles for added texture and taste.

What can you do with leftover turkey stuffing?

Leftover turkey stuffing can be repurposed in a variety of ways. You can create stuffing balls, add it to omelets, or use it as a base for stuffing mushrooms, peppers, or even a turkey casserole. It can also be reheated and served alongside a fresh turkey for an easy meal.

How long do stuffing balls last in the fridge?

Stuffing balls can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.

What can I do with leftover cooked turkey?

Leftover cooked turkey is incredibly versatile. You can make turkey sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. You can also use it in wraps, tacos, or stir-fries. For a more creative approach, try using leftover turkey in pasta dishes, pot pies, or even turkey and stuffing balls.

Can you reheat cooked stuffing balls?

Yes, cooked stuffing balls can be reheated. The best way to do this is by placing them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though baking will help preserve their crispy exterior.

Recipe Card: Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for coating)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup gravy or cranberry sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and sage (if using). Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form the Balls
   Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
3. Coat with Panko (Optional)
   If you prefer a crispy exterior, roll each stuffing ball in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.
4. Cook the Balls
   Option 1: Baking
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Option 2: Frying
   Heat butter or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the stuffing balls and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve
   Once the stuffing balls are cooked, remove them from the oven or frying pan. Let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side.

Notes:

• If the mixture is too cold to handle, you can heat the mashed potatoes and stuffing slightly before forming the balls.
• For extra flavor, you can add some diced onions or sautéed mushrooms to the mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the stuffing and mashed potatoes before mixing with the turkey.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Method: Baking or Frying

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4-6

Yield: 12-16 stuffing balls